Van Oord’s Vox Apolonia has been contracted for dredging and maintenance work by one of the UK’s largest port operators.
The vessel is being touted as a more environmentally friendly dredger because it runs on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which is considered to have a lower carbon footprint than diesel.
Van Oord also says it reduces nitrous oxide emissions by 90% and totally eliminates sulphur emissions.
“We’re constantly researching and investing to bring our fleet to the next level in terms of sustainability,” said Marine Bourgeois, project manager at Van Oord. “We have our own commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and the Vox Apolonia is the next step towards that goal.”
The 137.5m x 27.6m trailing suction hopper dredger was only built last year (2022) and will work alongside three other vessels that will dredge the Liverpool channel and docks.
“We are always looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment across our port estate,” said Peel Ports Group harbour master Garry Doyle. “We are striving to become net zero across the group by 2040, and the Vox Apolonia is a step ahead in terms of its sustainability credentials.”
Peel Ports Group is the UK’s second largest port operator, owning and operating six of the UK’s most important ports (Liverpool, Heysham, Manchester Ship Canal, Medway (Sheerness / Chatham), Clydeport and Great Yarmouth). It also operates a container terminal in Dublin and owns BG Freight Line.
